Dog-Friendly Herbs That Grow Well in Shade

Mint may be grown in partial shade or full shade.

Many dogs will be inclined to munch on the plants in an herb garden, as they are inclined to munch on other plants. But not all herbs are safe for dogs to eat. Gardeners with mischievous, herb-hungry dogs, should focus on planting herbs that will not make the dog ill. Many herbs are best grown in full sunlight, but some may be grown in partial shade or full shade.

Full Shade Herbs

Mint (Mentha spp.) is a common herb used in the kitchen in salads, drinks and desserts. Hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 through 8, this herb is well-suited for partial shade but may be grown in full shade. This plant tends to take over garden space once established, so tend it carefully. As stated in an article on DogChannel.com, mint may aid a dog's indigestion. Burdock (Articum lappa), is hardy to USDA zones 2 through 10 and may grow as tall as 9 feet. This plant, sometimes thought of as a weed in some regions, is used in Asian cooking and medicines. Burdock is used to treat kidney issues and digestive problems. This plant may or may not treat these symptoms in a dog, but according to an article on PetMD.com, burdock may be consumed by a dog without harm. Burdock plant will grow in a variety of light conditions, from full shade to full sun. Like mint, this plant can take over your garden if left untended.

Partial Shade

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an immune-boosting herb that is best grown in full sun but can live in partial shade. This herb is hardy to USDA zones 8 through 10. Calendula (Calendula officinalus), also known as pot marigold, is an annual plant hardy to all USDA zones. The blossoms from this flower may be used in salads. The antioxidants in these plants help boost the immune system. Blossoms from this plant may also be used to make a tea to treat skin irritations on dogs and humans. Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), hardy to USDA zones 4 through 9, is a common herb used to make soothing teas. This will work on dogs as well as people, according to the article on DogChannel.com.

Cautions

Some veterinarians believe that dogs are inclined to eat plants when they need to. For example, some theorize that dogs eat grass when their stomachs are upset, in order to induce vomiting. A dog that changes its usual behavior by eating herbs and plants it wouldn't normally consume may be doing so because it knows it needs to. Dog owners who notice a change in behavior should be mindful of the dog's actions. Dogs displaying alarming symptoms of illness should be taken to the vet. In addition, any pet owner considering feeding their dog an herb from the garden, as a means of treating a symptom the dog displays, should check with a veterinarian.

Keeping Dogs Out Of Your Garden

Gardeners should take care to keep their dogs out of their herb gardens even if the herbs are considered safe for consumption. Dogs that trample through herb gardens and eat the plants may still get sick if they eat too much, and obviously this is can be damaging to the plants. Sturdy fencing will keep out many dogs. As an alternative, homeowners may consider planting their gardens on raised beds contained by wooden landscape timbers. Young dogs may be trained to stay away from garden spaces.

About the Author

Leslie Rose has been a freelance writer publishing with Demand Studios since 2008. In addition to her work as a writer, she is an accomplished painter and experienced art teacher. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in art with a minor in English.